on an 06 Fabia vRS.

Scraping noise (a bit like scraping ice off a car) coming from fan belt area every few seconds and lasts a few seconds.

Only makes noise when engine is idling (ok under load).

I've taken it to a main dealer who said I had a loose electrical relay.

But still getting the noise. :-(

The tension seems ok on the belt - it's hard to see what may be causing it. My only observation is that the flat outside surface of the belt (in the centre where it is a little raised) is worn.

Any idea what it could be (belt, alternator, tensioner bearing?

Best, D

Just nipped out to have a good look under the bonnet & turn it over and listen.

The belt looks absolutely fine/true. I think the noise is coming from the alternator itself, and it is more of a rattle.

D

Difficult to say without hearing it in person... I know on mine I replaced the auxiliary drive belt tensioner because of a slight humming sound. I replaced it and the noise went away, although to be honest there was plenty of life left in the original tensioner.

Maybe it's your tensioner? Can you take it to someone for a second opinion?

How's your air con doing? Mine made unpleasant noises when it leaked and ran out of gas...

Belt tensioner or alternator clutch.

air-con seems fine.

I had no idea an alternator had a clutch!!!

Is it an easy/expensive part to replace?

D

air-con seems fine.

I had no idea an alternator had a clutch!!!

Is it an easy/expensive part to replace?

D

Alternator clutch needs a special Skoda tool, but I think the Haynes manual has a workaround IIRC. Not sure of the price sorry. It's a fairly simple freewheel clutch, but they make a fair old racket when they pack in.

I'll see if I can do a video clip of it - and post it up.

This will take all my IT skill to do so!!!

Cheers, D

I think a few of us have this, see other thread:

http://briskoda.net/fabia-i/auxiliary-drive-belt-noise/148228/

Variously described as heavy breathing / wheezing /ticking / purring noise, every 2 or 3 seconds. Only noticed it recently on idle. Still not sure of the cause though.

If anyone finds the answer, let us all know, more of a nuisance than anything else.